STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are convinced they have worked out the ‘real reason’ pro dancer Kai Widdrington didn’t get a celebrity partner this series.

Last night’s launch show revealed the pro dancer will be ‘benched’ this time around – despite making to Blackpool last year with TV legend Angela Rippon.

a man in a tuxedo stands on a red carpet that says shein on it

Strictly fans have worked out the ‘real reason’ Kai Widdrington didn’t get a celebrity partner this series

a man and a woman are dancing on a stage

Last year he was paired with Angela Rippon

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Fans have cited Neil Jones as part of the reason Kai was benched
Kai is one of three pros who have missed out on a partner this series, with Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley also going without.

All three will still participate in the group routines and feature each week on the show.

But fans have taken to internet forums to discuss Kai’s omission, and believe it may have something to do with fellow pro Neil Jones.

Neil was famous for regularly not getting a celebrity partner, and even joked about it on last night’s launch show.

He showed a snap of his baby daughter Havana wearing a babygro with the slogan ‘My daddy FINALLY got a partner’.

And ardent viewers believe Kai was moved aside this year so Neil could get a partner, as they believe that, at 41 years old, this could be his last series.

One wrote on digital spy’s forum dedicated to the show: ” I think this could be Neil’s swansong if the BBC does have a clear out of the pros.

Another agreed, adding: “I did say that a possible reason they gave him a partner this year is as a way to send him off. Unless he was planning on leaving already.”

A third believed another reason for Neil getting a partner over Kai was because he was a better fit for Toyah Willcox, who he was paired with.

They theorised: “I’m not surprised that Neil has been put together with Toyah as she seems to want to go the comedy route and Neil might work for that.”

A fourth agreed, weighing in: “Yeah I get the impression Neil is one of the more unserious pros so I think it could work too.”

Kai expressed his disappointment earlier this week as he broke his silence on the ‘snub’.

He told the Daily Star: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity.

a man in a red shirt sits next to a woman in a pink dress

Some fans believe this may be Neil’s final series

a man and a woman are smiling in front of a bbc logo

Kai’s ex Nadiya Bychkova was benched last year but was partnered with Olympian Tom Dean last night
“Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them.

“Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is.

“Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”

While Kai has not missed out on a partner before, his ex girlfriend and fellow show pro Nadiya Bychkova was left on the subs bench last year.

At the time, Nadiya expressed her own disappointment.

Following the first episode of the last series, Nadiya told fans: “I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.”

She continued:  “It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.

“I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year.”

At the time, then- boyfriend Kai supported her, commenting: “Always shining bright.”

The pair split back in July after two years together.

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